Oral care agent dispensing system

Abstract

An oral care implement for dispensing an oral care agent includes a housing, reservoir therein containing an oral care fluid, and an electrical circuit comprising first and second electrodes connected to an onboard power source. Each electrode is in contact with the oral care fluid in the housing. An actuator, operably coupled to the power source, is configured to both selectively energize the circuit and activate dispensing of the oral care fluid. An electrical charge is applied to the oral care fluid by activating the actuator when dispensing the oral care fluid. When the fluid comprises a peroxide based tooth whitening agent, the dispensed fluid pH is increased by the electrical charge which improves the efficacy of the whitener. In one embodiment, the implement is a modular system including a powered base unit and one or more interchangeable cartridges each having a reservoir containing an oral care fluid.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention generally relates oral care systems, and more particularly to an oral care system including an implement or device for dispensing an oral care fluid.[0002]Various implements or devices are used for storing and dispensing oral care agents or fluids such as tooth whitening formulations. It is known that the efficacy of one such formulation used in hydrogen peroxide bleaching is directly proportional to the increase in its pH. However, in order to maximize shelf-life of hydrogen peroxide-containing formulations, the pH is often set to a lower level than desired, closer to pH 5.5 for example, at which the peroxide is more stable, but where the whitening efficacy is not optimal. In other oral care agent formulations for different oral care purposes (e.g. sensitivity, anti-bacterial, etc.), increased ion concentrations and activity in the product enhances treatment efficacy.[0003]Improvements in oral care agent storage and dispensing are desired.BRIEF...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a whitening dispenser that can be used to apply an electrochemically-activated whitening gel to any existing whitening tray system worn by the user. This results in a faster and more noticeable whitening effect than using a lower pH peroxide formula. The high pH of the dispensed gel allows for longer contact time, improving whitening efficacy. The dispenser can be used with different types of trays and is also effective for other oral care agents like anti-bacterial or sensitivity relief products. The dispenser applies an electrical charge to the oral care agents, improving their efficacy and treatment of various oral cavity conditions. The main technical effect of this patent is versatility and improved whitening and oral care with the use of the electrochemically-activated whitening gel in various tray configurations.

Problems solved by technology

However, in order to maximize shelf-life of hydrogen peroxide-containing formulations, the pH is often set to a lower level than desired, closer to pH 5.5 for example, at which the peroxide is more stable, but where the whitening efficacy is not optimal.

Images